DNA polymerase specifically involved in the DNA repair by translesion synthesis (TLS) (PubMed:
10385124, PubMed:
11743006, PubMed:
24449906, PubMed:
24553286, PubMed:
16357261). Due to low processivity on both damaged and normal DNA, cooperates with the heterotetrameric (REV3L, REV7, POLD2 and POLD3) POLZ complex for complete bypass of DNA lesions. Inserts one or 2 nucleotide(s) opposite the lesion, the primer is further extended by the tetrameric POLZ complex. In the case of 1,2-intrastrand d(GpG)-cisplatin cross-link, inserts dCTP opposite the 3' guanine (PubMed:
24449906). Particularly important for the repair of UV-induced pyrimidine dimers (PubMed:
10385124, PubMed:
11743006). Although inserts the correct base, may cause base transitions and transversions depending upon the context. May play a role in hypermutation at immunoglobulin genes (PubMed:
11376341, PubMed:
14734526). Forms a Schiff base with 5'- deoxyribose phosphate at abasic sites, but does not have any lyase activity, preventing the release of the 5'-deoxyribose phosphate (5'- dRP) residue. This covalent trapping of the enzyme by the 5'-dRP residue inhibits its DNA synthetic activity during base excision repair, thereby avoiding high incidence of mutagenesis (PubMed:
14630940). Targets POLI to replication foci (PubMed:
12606586).